10 Habits and Routines You Should Practice
If you want to accomplish something you need great habits and routines.
Great habits and routines let you know exactly what’s needed to get you from where you are to where you want to go.
I mean how many times have you said you’re going to do XY and Z?
But no matter what, for one reason or another or a few weeks, months, or years later, you’re in the same place.
You say to yourself “next year” or “this year is going to be different.”
But when you look up all this time has passed and you are still right where you started.
Well… let me tell you the reason why and then give you a solution on how you can break this vicious cycle.
That way when next year comes you can look back and finally declare “I’m making progress” or even better “I did it!”
Ready?
Cool, here it is:
The reason why you never do what you say you’re going to do is you don’t have the right habits and routines.
Your daily habits and routines or lack thereof are preventing you from living the life you want to live. You aren’t accomplishing the goals you set for yourself.
So now that you know why, here’s a solution:
Start practicing better habits and routines that map to wherever it is you want to go.
Focus and do something so much that leads you from point A to B. Something where doing it after a few weeks becomes second nature.
You stop thinking about doing it because the act of actually doing it is now a part of you.
When this happens your habits and routines and actions compound over time.
And before you know it, you’ve accomplished your goal.
So… now that you know you might be asking yourself what are some good habits and routines to start with and practice on a daily basis?
Well, to be honest, it depends.
It depends on the person you already are, what you’re trying to do, and where you’re trying to go.
But here are 10 of my favorite habits and routines and the ones that apply to almost everyone.
They are in no particular order and you should pick one or two when you’re starting out.
Do them for a while and try your best to make it automatic before moving on to another one.
And if you’ve already mastered or done any of the ones listed below then congratulations!!
Do some reflecting and come up with a new habit you’d like to practice.
Something that’s going to get you from where you’re at to where you want to go in due time.
The 10 Habits and Routines
Habit #1: Make Your Bed Daily
Why?
Because it’s a quick win.
Before your day has started you’ve done something many other individuals have not.
That one small act, usually in the morning, can have a lasting impact on the day and how you feel about yourself.
By making your bed you are proving to yourself that you are a doer. You are in control of your life!
You take action and get shit done.
This one act can snowball into a wonderful day because you continue doing and repeat it day after day.
Making my bed is something I have done daily since I was a kid. I’ve done it for so long that I no longer think about doing it.
And by the way, it feels oh so good coming home to a premade bed.
This one habit has the potential to and has for me led to many other great habits and routines.
Habit #2: Practice Mindful Spending and Budgeting
Picture this… you get paid and a couple of days later guess what?
You’re broke.
That is until your next paycheck.
In your head, you’re like “damn, where’d all that money go?”
I’ve been in this situation way too many times.
But if you put a game plan of how to spend your money better (a budget) next time you’d be good.
Also, budgeting once or twice a month does not mean you go without or deprive yourself either.
In fact, it’s the opposite.
With your new game plan, you’ll actually be able to spend more on the things you love and look forward to. That could be happy hour, going to dinner or a movie with friends, or that bae-cation you’ve been dreaming of.
This is known as mindful spending because you’re no longer using the money for things that don’t matter to you.
You’re practicing mindfulness. Your game plan (budget) is telling your money exactly what you want it to do and guess what!
It will listen.
Another benefit of practicing mindful spending and budgeting is living below your means.
You’ll be avoiding debt or finally get the opportunity to pay off any debt you’ve had for years now. And if you’re debt-free you can invest more of your money than ever before.
Or… start, build and finish that emergency fund you always hear the experts talking about.
When I started practicing this habit it was a game-changer for me. My life started improving with each and every paycheck.
Habit #3: Go to Bed and Wake Up at The Same Time Every Day
Each weekend many will try but many will also fail at sleeping in after a long week of work.
Your body ignores you and does what it wants.
But with this habit, you’ll take command of your sleep. You’ll put your body on a schedule that will become second nature.
And this will also guarantee you’re getting enough sleep at night and throughout the week. Because regardless of what you’ve read, your body needs adequate sleep.
Sleep quantity and quality matter.
And in this non-stop hustle culture we live in today you should be trying to get more, not less sleep.
If you’re getting under 6 hours of sleep for an extended period of time, you’re at risk for health problems.
So don’t put yourself at risk for a heart attack, stroke, cancer, and more. Make it a goal to get more sleep.
Sleep is what allows you to do everything else that matters in life.
- It keeps you healthy
- Allows your body to develop a routine
- Gives you the energy you need to workout
- Allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones
- And provides the focus you need to function at work
Your body depends on it. And there are thousands of other benefits I am not listing here.
Yes, making this a habit (even on the weekends) might take a while.
But in a few weeks and like the other habits and routines – you’ll get used to it.
Habit #4: Workout at Least Three Times Per Week
I’m pretty sure you might have heard this before but health is wealth my friend.
And many of us take it for granted.
That is… until something goes wrong and we need to go to the emergency room or see our doctor.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Start and stick with this habit. Why?
Because working out can save you that trip to the doctor, your time, and money. All while adding years to your life.
Exercise will:
- Strengthen your immune system
- Decrease your resting heart rate
- Keep your mind sharp
- Prevent chronic health conditions
- Give you time to think and reflect
- And make you happier
Plus, you’ve only got one body. Take care of it.
I’m not telling you to hit the gym for hours upon hours each week either.
Start by going and staying for a set time. That could be as little as 3 minutes or as long as 2 hours each session.
But make sure you show up each week at least 3 times a week – make it a habit.
Habit #5: Learn and Read Something New Each Day
With your phone, starting and sticking with this habit is not hard.
Knowledge like money compounds over time.
And if you’re not learning then you’re not growing. You’re stagnant.
The same as you were yesterday.
But if you read and learn one thing a day then you’re better than you were yesterday. You now know one thing more than you knew the previous day.
This habit keeps your mind sharp. And it will also keep you fulfilled and informed.
I have learned far more from my life experiences, reading, and learning on my own than anything else.
More than I have ever learned from getting a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
So pick a topic that interests you or you need to learn more about and get to it!
My favorite ways to learn something new are through audiobooks, podcasts, and other blogs.
I’ve even turned my car into a library on wheels.
When I’m on my way to work or doing errands I learn something new.
Otherwise, I’d be listening to the same songs on my phone and commercials on the radio.
And when I’m at the gym I’ll switch between the music I love and audiobooks or podcasts.
So give this a try and let me know how you like it.
Habit #6: Check in on a Friend or Loved One
How often do you check in with friends and family?
For most of us, it’s not enough and I can do better with this one. But when I do, I love the conversations I have with those I haven’t spoken to within a while.
Yet, most people prefer to text rather than call one another.
But it’s not the same as actually hearing their voice over the phone.
I don’t know about you but I appreciate phone calls and FaceTime conversations. Even if it’s only once or twice per month, I love them more than I do text messages.
When talking on the phone you can pick up on certain things you wouldn’t have over text.
And so many of us are dealing with mental health, depression, and anxiety.
I know because I’ve been there. Along with millions of other individuals.
And you never know what your friends and those you love most are going through.
So make time. Check in every now and then.
Especially with those that appear to be fine. The ones that are always strong and there for others. They need someone there for them as well. In their corner, checking in on them from time to time.
A few minutes of catching up can go a long way. It lets them know you care and relationships matter.
Habit #7: Ask Yourself – “What am I Grateful for Today?”
Another great habit you should start practicing is gratefulness.
How often do you say thank you for what you do have in life?
Or take some time to appreciate the little things that happen throughout your day?
How about giving thanks for how far you’ve come and the experiences that have made you… you?
Well if it’s not once a day, let’s change that starting now.
Think about something you appreciate in life. Acknowledge it and say “thank you!”
It could be as simple as the people around you, fresh air, or the sun.
Even the traffic on your way to work (you have a job), or the food that gives you strength.
But realize what you take for granted others would appreciate.
By asking yourself this one question each day you are promoting mindfulness.
This will keep you grounded.
For me, it’s changed my mood quite a few times whenever I’m feeling down or find myself complaining about something.
It’s so easy to get caught up in what you don’t have.
You might get angry when things aren’t going your way.
But this helps.
It’s a habit I picked up from Tony Robbins.
He says you can’t be grateful and angry or mad at the same time. So I remember this and use it whenever I lose sight of things and what matters most in life.
Habit #8: Work on Something Meaningful to You
What are your goals?
Where do you want to be in one, three, and five years from now?
If you don’t know you should think about it for a while. Because once you do know you’ll have something to work towards.
Something you can work your way backward from and finish.
This is important because with this in mind you can get to work. Each day you will inch your way closer and closer to achieving that goal you’ve identified.
You need to identify what you want out of life because without it you have no direction. No destination.
Instead, you’ll be going with the flow of things and letting life pass you by.
Remember, no vehicle ever arrives unless it leaves with its destination in mind.
Neither will you.
You will not do (insert meaningful goal here) until you first know what you want to do.
And once you’ve done that you need to make working on it and accomplishing that goal a habit.
In the future, you will look back and smile one day.
You’ll be happy you identified what you want and then took action.
Even if it takes you three, five, or ten plus years to get it done guess what?
The time will pass anyway whether you like it or not. So… you might as well take action. Start doing!
Habit #9: Schedule Time To Relax or Meditate
In a world where life is happening nonstop, it’s important to schedule you time.
Take some time to relax, decompress and make doing it a priority.
In the last habit, we talked about working on something meaningful to you. But you can and should take a break every now and then.
Then get back to it afterward.
Relaxation, breaks, and mediation will allow you to recharge and prevent burnout.
I have a strong work ethic. But I make sure I schedule time to relax. I’ll watch some tv, read, or step out every once in a while.
This allows me to come back even more focused on what I was doing before.
So unwind, pick something you like to do in your free time, and relax…
Habit #10: Eat Something Healthy
I’ll say it again – “health is wealth!”
We take it for granted until we get older. But what you eat or don’t eat along with getting enough sleep and exercise are important.
Especially if you want to stick around for a while.
And yes you might be blessed with good genetics. But you have a lot to gain by making sure you put nutritious foods in your body.
Eating right means you’ll have the nutrients and fuel you need to do the things you do.
I’m won’t list the benefits of healthy eating. But if you’re curious do some quick reading.
Or ask your doctor.
But you should definitely make eating healthy food (fruits and veggies) a habit.
And eat less of that processed stuff that comes in a bag or wrapper. Because like your car, you can’t function without the right fuel.
You might be good now, but your bad eating habits and routines will catch up to you over time.
So don’t eat junk.
Instead, eat right and take care of yourself. You gotta look out for you.
While it’s okay to slip up every now and then, don’t make bad eating habits a long-term thing.
Live a healthy life and prosper for as long as you can. With love! – Riley
So there you have it, the 10 habits and routines you should practice.
After reading this there’s at least one habit you can apply immediately in your life.
If not then feel free to come up with a habit I didn’t mention. Pick something that will lead to a better you. And take action, follow through and make it a habit.
Use habits and routines to achieve your goals and whatever it is you desire in life.
You won’t notice a big change or anything after a couple of days.
But over time you will see a difference in who you are, where you’re currently at, and where you want to go.
Your habits and routines will act as a bridge and help you get from point A to point B.
When you start implementing good daily habits and routines in your life, they will become a part of you. And once that happens, impossible is nothing!
You are limitless with the right habits and routines. And you can achieve any goal you have for yourself.